Two firefighters were so exhausted during the SkyCity convention centre fire they fell asleep at the top of a 32m-high ladder while manning hoses to battle the blaze; and New Zealand’s upgraded free trade deal with China is a win for fresh seafood exporters.
* The New Zealand Herald
In the New Zealand Herald,two firefighters were so exhausted during the SkyCity convention centre fire they fell asleep at the top of a 32m-high ladder while manning hoses to battle the blaze.That’s according to the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union, which also said another two fell asleep driving home after their shifts ended.
In other news, an Auckland property manager has admitted throwing a “curse” at a tenant she fell out with, penning an angry email warning: “B****, you will go to hell.”But Wiki Property Management owner Qian Jane Zhou is defending her hostile note, saying her former customer deserved it.
In business news, stocks rose broadly in afternoon trading on Wall Street, pushing major indexes toward another set of records, after China said it agreed with the United States on a gradual pullback on tariffs if talks progress.The S&P 500 is heading for its second record-setting day this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq are on pace for their third day of record highs.
* The Dominion Post
In the Dominion Post, forty years ago this month, an Air New Zealand scenic flight to Antarctica slammed into the side of Mt Erebus – killing all 257 people on board. Grief from our nation’s worst peacetime tragedy soon became overwhelmed with a controversy that cost careers and blighted lives. White Silence, a major new podcast series launching today, examines the tragedy and acrimony. And it asks, is it time for an official apology?
In other news, multiple government agencies were called in to deal with a group of young boys caught playing sex games at a Catholic school in the Wellington region. Oranga Tamariki responded to the “distressing” incident – which was described as “harmful sexualised behaviour” – along with the Ministry of Eduction which sent in more teacher aids to support the students earlier this year. However, criticism has been levelled at how the incident was dealt with by the school.
In business news, New Zealand’s upgraded free trade deal with China is a win for fresh seafood exporters.Companies selling fresh, perishable goods, like seafood into China will now have goods expedited through customs clearance in six hours. This will mean the release of goods outside normal business hours and ensuring goods are stored properly.The existing free trade agreement was upgraded this week after years of negotiations, with a number of concessions aimed at making trade with the global superpower smoother.
*The Press
In The Press, rubbish – including mattresses, couches and a boat – has been illegally dumped hundreds of times in Christchurch’s river red zone, but no-one has been prosecuted. Contractors have removed about 25 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish from the red zone so far this year, costing the Government of about $24,600. They have been called out 124 times.
In other news, a code of conduct complaint against former Christchurch City councillor Deon Swiggs will not be investigated as he is no longer a councillor. Council chief executive Dawn Baxendale advised Swiggs’ lawyer Phil Shamy of the decision by letter on Thursday afternoon.
In business news, SkyCity has told investors that the fire-damaged New Zealand International Convention Centre will not be ready for conventions booked in 2021. The announcement was made on Thursday during SkyCity Entertainment Group’s Investor Day in Adelaide, Australia. SkyCity chief executive Graeme Stephens said it was unclear what the impact beyond 2021 would be for the venue.
